Research, Instruction, and Outreach Librarian

Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for a Term Librarian. Reporting to the Head, Research Commons, this full-time, 12-month position will provide scholarly communications related support to graduate and faculty researchers as well as research, instruction, and outreach support to the Department of Geography.

The role will be attractive to highly adaptable and collaborative individuals with excellent communication skills, a user-centered focus, and a demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive working and learning environments. The committee encourages all applications, including those from new graduates and early-career librarians, and those with non-traditional career paths. Candidates who are transitioning into or back to librarianship or who have relevant skills from coursework, volunteer work, or other professions are invited to share experiences and expertise that may align with this role.

The incumbent will act as the liaison between SFU Library and the faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Geography, ensuring ongoing awareness of Library resources. They will also support Research Commons programming and services, especially in the areas of scholarly communications and scholarly publishing. The incumbent will build awareness and adoption of open access and support researchers in navigating publishing choices, article processing charges (APCs), and other scholarly outputs.

In collaboration with the Head of the Research Commons, the incumbent will develop a feasible and sustainable workplan. They will be supported in scoping and managing the priorities of the role and adapting to emerging needs.

SETTING:

We acknowledge and respect the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Səmyámə (Semiahmoo), and sc̓əwaθən (Tsawwassen) Nations, on whose lands the three branches of Simon Fraser University Library stand.

The Library is committed to becoming a more welcoming space for Indigenous Peoples by centering Indigenous voices in our collections, services, and programs.

Ranked by respected national surveys as one of Canada’s top three comprehensive universities for the past 20 years, Simon Fraser University has also been consistently named one of British Columbia’s Top Employers in recent years, as well as one of Canada’s Top 100 employers, and one of Canada's top family-friendly employers. SFU offers more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more than 75 graduate offerings, spanning many disciplines in eight faculties, and has an international reputation for its innovative interdisciplinary and professional programs. The main W.A.C. Bennett Library is located on the Burnaby campus, while the Samuel and Frances Belzberg Library is on the Vancouver campus, and Fraser Library is at SFU Surrey.

The SFU Library is known for the development and implementation of innovative technology, leadership in Open Access, and excellent in-person and online user services. We serve an ethnically diverse student population, most of whom live off-campus and work part-time while attending university. SFU Library collaborates broadly with other institutions through membership in the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, and regional consortia. For more information, see our web site at https://www.lib.sfu.ca.

The SFU Library commits to a continuous process of transformation to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion and to serve the cause of social justice. The Library’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion provides more information.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Act as liaison between the SFU Library and the Department of Geography:
  • Provide subject-specific research services and in-depth consultations, including support for evidence synthesis projects;
  • Develop or update library research guides;
  • Develop and provide curriculum-integrated information literacy and library research skills instruction;
  • Build awareness of library services and collections and facilitate connections between the Department and the Library;
  • Refer and connect users with other services and expertise in the library and at SFU as needed.
  • With support from the Collections team, act as the primary point of contact for collections requests and assist with their initial assessment and triage;
• Support Research Commons programming and services as required;
• Serve as a primary point of contact for questions from researchers and Library colleagues about open access publishing options, article processing charges (APCs), open access memberships, publishing agreements, and other publishing-related fees and supports;
• Participate in planning, implementing, and promoting scholarly communications instruction and services including increasing campus awareness of Open Access publishing with faculty, graduate students and applicable campus units;
• Incorporate SFU Library’s commitments to equity, inclusion, and decolonization into planning and activities;
• Option to participate in working groups, committees, task groups, etc.;
• Option to engage in research activities;
• Advance the values and goals outlined in the Library’s Academic Plan;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

While the search committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the qualifications in equal measure, the following qualifications are presented in priority-order and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position.

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from an ALA accredited program, or its equivalent, is a required qualification for this position;
• Commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and decolonization in operational work, with an interest in supporting social justice and Indigenous initiatives;
• Ability to provide research support in a complex and collaborative environment;
• Experience with planning and delivering instruction, with a focus on inclusive, learner-centered pedagogy and reflective teaching practices;
• Evidence of proactive approaches to collaboration and relationship building with colleagues and community;
• Demonstrated experience in the area of scholarly communications, including scholarly publishing and open access;
  • Knowledge of open access publishing models, including article processing charges (APCs), institutional publishing agreements, publisher memberships, transformative agreements, self-archiving, and diamond open access;
  • Demonstrated ability to advise researchers on publishing options, costs, author eligibility, and institutional or funder-supported publishing opportunities;
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, both orally and written.  These skills include but are not limited to strong listening skills, comfort with public speaking, a collaborative approach, and the curiosity and willingness to ask questions;
• Ability to work in a complex environment by establishing priorities and maintaining a balance between short and long-term goals;
• Knowledge of current and emerging practices in information literacy;
• Experience or academic background in geography or related social science.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT:

This is a full-time, 12-month Librarian appointment, with an anticipated start date in January 2027.

Librarians are members of the SFU Faculty Association. Terms, conditions and benefits of employment are outlined in the Collective Agreement. Benefits are available from the Faculty Relations website.

The successful applicant will be appointed at a rank and salary level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. For more information about eligibility and requirements for appointment at each Librarian rank, please see SFU/SFUFA Collective Agreement Article Art 36.14 – 36.25. Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is as follows (dependent on experience):

• Librarian 1: $85,619
• Librarian 2: $91,979
• Librarian 3: $104,700 to $136,503
• Librarian 4: $117,421 to $142,863

Current salary scales are available from: https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/salary.html.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University. If you have questions in advance of applying, please send an email to library@sfu.ca.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice on the Current Openings webpage.

Information about what to expect when you apply for a librarian position at SFU is available here: https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/overview/employment/what-expect-librarian-position